By Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce captures the essence of desserts|puddings & mousses while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the Bread Pudding:
4 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread or brioche works well)
2 cups milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
For the Vanilla Sauce:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
PREPARATION STEPS
Prepare the Bread Pudding:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Place the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
Pour the mixture over the bread, ensuring all the bread pieces are soaked.
Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
If using, sprinkle the raisins evenly over the soaked bread.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Vanilla Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the sugars are dissolved.
Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Serve:
Spoon the warm bread pudding into serving dishes.
Drizzle generously with the vanilla sauce.
Enjoy your comforting and delicious Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce!
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
